Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA — September 12, 2024

Wallows’ final U.S. show at the Kia Forum was a celebration of everything that makes indie music so magnetic, and it started strong with the incredible opener, BENEE. The New Zealand singer brought her signature quirky and dynamic energy to the stage. Her set was a mix of dream-pop and alt-groove vibes, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the evening. The crowd was already buzzing, and BENEE’s playful stage presence and catchy hooks had everyone dancing from the get-go.

The energy in the packed venue was electric, with every single seat taken and fans singing along to deep cuts like “Scrawny”, “Pleaser” and classics like “Uncomfortable.” The night was an indie boy band dream come true, with the band’s chemistry undeniable and the audience feeding off it at every moment. Fans knew the lyrics and drum breaks to every single song, old and new, and sang harmonies the entire night.

General admission was a sea of dancing circles, as fans snuck down to join the packed floor. Dylan Minnette made a bold move, diving into the pit and walking across the entire arena to a B-stage set up at the other end, where he led an intimate jam session. The tiny square stage felt like a living-room gathering, with acoustic guitars, electric vibes, keys, and even a trumpet filling the space with rich sound.

Bringing a fan on stage to finish out “1980s Horror Film” was a touching moment, but the highlight might’ve been when Brandon Lemasters climbed to the very top of the Kia Forum to sing alongside fans. It was a night of musical geekery, as these boys—guitar players and musicians first—delivered a performance that was both technically flawless and deeply emotional. Wallows managed to turn the massive arena into a cozy, connected space, and their fans gave them everything right back.

Words & Photography: Victoria Alexis